I don't know what to do. Me: Well you can show up for your local public libraries [the only USian institution remaining where the verb 'commoning' has any meaning at all] and here's how. Some people: I don't know what to do. - ThreadSky

prisonculture.bsky.social • 29 days ago

I don't know what to do.

Me: Well you can show up for your local public libraries [the only USian institution remaining where the verb 'commoning' has any meaning at all] and here's how.

Some people: I don't know what to do.

Comments

badmama2u.bsky.social•28 days ago

Truly….

teandoranges.bsky.social•29 days ago

And i've been telling ppl - literally just setting foot in a library helps. Humans setting foot in the space for 5 minutes to an hour+ counts... Literally counts.
https://bsky.app/profile/teandoranges.bsky.social/post/3lgikrmdvqk2i

ghostyspook.bsky.social•29 days ago

I just use Libby

luna-deus.bsky.social•29 days ago

Personally I always say check out all the things the library does and utilize it. Seed library? Check out some herbs. Movie nights? RSVP! Tech spaces? Browse the web! Book fair? Donate a bit. Just use the library resources it’s not only for books :)

ebbett.bsky.social•29 days ago

Thank you! Good info to know. I’ll start going in more.

womenvspatriarchy.bsky.social•29 days ago

💪🏻🦋🤜🏼✨️🤛🏼

raccoon-overlord.bsky.social•29 days ago

I'm planning on calling my library about volunteering. I'm younger than most of the volunteers so hopefully they'll still want me & have something I can do (our volunteers are all elderly).

taraandchicken.bsky.social•29 days ago

We deleted audible and Kindle along with our Prime membership and the adults in the family have been trying to lean in more on the physical books we've been insisting our kid read (over the e-reader). The library is walking distance and we hadn't been there nearly enough. No time like the present!

susan-g-02.bsky.social•29 days ago

Literally reading this while at the library 😁

margie-reinitz1979.bsky.social•29 days ago

Kick Nazis ass. It's pretty straight forward.

mariposa17.bsky.social•29 days ago

I’ve started giving a monthly donation to all the helpers I can in our community- public libraries do lots of heavy lifting…

satin665.bsky.social•29 days ago

I feel like libraries are destined to become the headquarters of the pro- humanity movement. ✌️

heauxstface.bsky.social•29 days ago

I love my library 🖤 and it's not even "mine." They're on the other side of the state but anyone who resides here can get a free card and enjoy the non-physical items!

agal12.bsky.social•29 days ago

I’ve never been to a library more than I am now! Knowledge is power. 🤓

datadrivenmd.social•29 days ago

Learned this through experience during the early days of the pandemic: The people who incessantly respond to concrete guidance with, "I don't know what to do" are actually saying, "I want someone else to solve this problem for me"

tutusntinyhats.bsky.social•29 days ago

Or "I haven't yet found a way to plug in that works with my skills, interests, and capacity."

beautifulrobot.bsky.social•29 days ago

either that or “I know what to do but I know I can’t/don’t want to put that much effort in”

crystalsoul42.bsky.social•29 days ago

Yup. They want the work done, they don’t want to *do* the work.

datadrivenmd.social•29 days ago

There's certainly some truth to this, but some people may not be able to act on the suggestions being offered. For example: young would-be activists in a mixed status household may not be as *visibly* to avoid drawing attention to themselves and their families, friends, and neighbors. /1

datadrivenmd.social•29 days ago

2/ That said, yes, there are people who generally agree that a problem exists but it doesn't affect them personally enough to motivate them into action. In those situations they're making a choice to ignore specific guidance, and feign ignorance until they are personally affected by the problem. /X

crystalsoul42.bsky.social•29 days ago

You’re right. I realize I blanketed the problem, when there individual nuances at play. My sincerest apologies for doing this. I sometimes forget that not everybody can hear the full conversation in my head.

datadrivenmd.social•29 days ago

No worries. I did the same thing in my original response and in the response to your comment. Glad we're on the same page

prisonculture.bsky.social•29 days ago

Yes, this is sometimes the case. "I don't know what to do" is often cover for many other things.

datadrivenmd.social•29 days ago

A comparable example from my experience were the folks who would spend their day online pining for an end to the pandemic safety measures but refused to get the free vaccine or use the free home testing kits.

Your posts w/ advice for newbie organizers are gold for anyone seeking to meet the moment

jenni-squirrel.bsky.social•29 days ago

Yes. Some are malicious, but not all. Sometimes it’s more of an emotional paralysis.

datadrivenmd.social•29 days ago

This is an important point that I tried (but failed) to make with the "incessant" qualifier. What I found was that the vast majority of people who were in an initial state of shock eventually came around and/or had someone in their lives that were able to emotionally and/or physically help

purplesky721.bsky.social•29 days ago

Emotional paralysis combined with severe social anxiety 🙋🏻‍♀️

dudebroflies.bsky.social•29 days ago

But we human beings become better at things we normally do. Doesn't matter what it is. So those people? Have been doing that their entire lives to become so good at it that even when moments are extreme they are locked in place emotionally.

prisonculture.bsky.social•29 days ago

I don't even think it's maliciousness. I think it's usually cover for other things and emotional paralysis can be one of them.

chai-doll.bsky.social•29 days ago

I think it’s situational as well. I know yall said not all & that’s so true. I’ve canceled all of my memberships with prime, cancelled all meta, shopping more mindfully and using the goods unite us app when making purchases, I’ve called people. But I feel like I need to do more. But don’t know what.

joyousjenn.bsky.social•29 days ago

Agree. I see overwhelm and a sense of helplessness. I feel these things and fight to shed them.

This time my efforts are being spent building on the ground in person communities. And joining established organizations, because we don't have time to invent one.

jamiestl.bsky.social•29 days ago

Simply getting a card and checking out something here and there helps, because their funding depends on usage as well as community size.

enfascination.com•29 days ago

Community college too!

jlight13.bsky.social•29 days ago

Joining Democrats Abroad, request sent in. I'm hoping to meet up with other expats to see what we can do. Literally everyone can stand up against hatred, injustice and help those around them that need protection. Spread truth, offer up your area of expertise to help others and stand tall.

lynnrunningdeer.bsky.social•29 days ago

Uh here's a suggestion. Try suing them over the First Amendment. "Government shall make no laws abridging free speech". New laws are not required, use the Constitution as it was meant to be used. Again there are organizations like the ACLU and NAACP as well as others to help challenge this.

lynnrunningdeer.bsky.social•29 days ago

If you don't exercise your rites you loose them. They are currently showing us they are willing to violate the Constitution because people have become complacent. This is a start to take back the country from the tyrannical government.

aprilbardin.bsky.social•28 days ago

I don't know what to do. That's part of why I'm here. Also why I ordered multiple books, researched reputable sites online, watched history clips. All I've known to do so far is tell my circle of followers on platforms that I'm a safe person for them. Baby steps are still STEPS! Knowledge is power!

sirgoogoo.bsky.social•29 days ago

Going to the library isn't going to defeat fascism, organizing will, but everybody in the United States is too comfortable to do anything lol

jenporritt.bsky.social•29 days ago

I’ve been thinking of collecting friends to gather at the library to read periodicals and then pipe up with the interesting stories we find. A real, live social media feed.

lilysch.bsky.social•29 days ago

Great idea! Inspiring, I‘ll think about it. A friend of mine started a soup group, a bunch of women getting together, eating soup, discussing what’s going down and how we can help.

jenporritt.bsky.social•29 days ago

As someone taking Covid precautions, many community events are no longer accessible for me, but at least at the library there’s no expectation that food will be involved, so wearing a mask is feasible.

lilysch.bsky.social•29 days ago

Of course, I understand. Also one of the reasons I really like your idea!

jenporritt.bsky.social•29 days ago

Thanks!

melkolstadart.bsky.social•29 days ago

LOVE this idea! 😍😍😍

raspmilk.bsky.social•29 days ago

What type of soup do they bring to this soup troop group?
I feel they can post their conclusions and the soup of the week on social media and get pretty far.
"Today's soup is this Irish cauliflower and leek soup, recipe found here, and our consensus is that socialism is kinda cool in concept."

prisonculture.bsky.social•29 days ago

go for it!

kitsuneubijones.bsky.social•29 days ago

💡

paulaspeaks.bsky.social•29 days ago

Make connections online as we build resistance here. 5 calls app is great for engaging, issues are listed there, your reps numbers are there and suggested script for keeping the pressure on. Thanks for caring

eyefoot.bsky.social•29 days ago

This ILS professional thanks you.

sentinelstrider.bsky.social•29 days ago

Libraries AND there are 236 chapters of Humanist associations in the US. Even in states like AL & MS. Get involved with one to connect more blue dots & take action in your community! https://americanhumanist.org/get-involved/find-or-start-a-chapter/

smallbirb.bsky.social•29 days ago

Some people just want to complain, they don't want to do anything

womenvspatriarchy.bsky.social•29 days ago

🚫CANCEL AMAZON🚫

Give your money to local vendors.

Thrift stores.

Barter with neighbors.

Don't give any more money to the capitalist oligarchy if you can.

Or where you can cut back.

Start a garden.

This is the strongest way to resist.

Stop giving them money.

Keep speaking out against lies.

chaostosurreal.bsky.social•29 days ago

WTF does this do?

myokayestlife.bsky.social•29 days ago

Here are some other things you can do:
Shop locally and use farmers markets

Communicate OFFLINE as well. The first thing they’ll come after is our ability to organize. So build your network now

Unless it’s absolutely vital to survive, don’t buy stuff. Cut off their money

Run for local offices!

thegrovedigger.bsky.social•29 days ago

Yes! And the CSA (community supported agriculture) shares are going to have sign ups soon.

christenpapallo.bsky.social•28 days ago

Love this! ❤️

wordwitchery.bsky.social•29 days ago

Yes. This. Volunteering at mine this morning 📚

prisonculture.bsky.social•29 days ago

excellent and thank you.

aliteraryadventure.bsky.social•28 days ago

I have always used my library but now I am going to their monthly board meetings to stay informed of what is going on with their policies. Next I’m going to start going to townhall meetings. Get involved with your community!

octopusben.bsky.social•29 days ago

I just got my library card today😊

elementaleucology.com•29 days ago

They can consider investing in or contributing to local media infrastructure.
https://bsky.app/profile/elementaleucology.com/post/3lgf2nja6e22d

farhanasultana.com•29 days ago

Every class and every talk I give, same thing. Rinse and repeat.

mettatheshapeshift.bsky.social•29 days ago

I'm going to go to mine soon. The last time I stepped inside was... it's been too long. They were supposed to open a new one back in 2021 I thought, but it never happened. Maybe that's been scrapped by now.

prisonculture.bsky.social•29 days ago

Glad to hear it. To me everyone who has a local library in their community should make it a point to stop in at least a couple of times a year. Talk to the library workers, ask them what the needs are, what they are noticing, etc...

ecmclaughlin.bsky.social•29 days ago

Getting a lot of this today myself LOL.

Sometimes it’s willful.

prisonculture.bsky.social•29 days ago

Sometimes it is. Usually though, it's cover for other things: 'i'm tired,' 'i want someone else to do something,' 'i can't or don't want to put in the time,' etc....

ecmclaughlin.bsky.social•29 days ago

Yep. I just checked myself on that too. Getting more patient as I get older, thank goodness.

lohe55.bsky.social•29 days ago

Or … “I’m scared” … perfectly reasonable.

foreverfall13.bsky.social•29 days ago

I live in a small red town in a red state. They are extremely anti LBGTQ+ and, consequently, so is the local library. I have decided to renew my card so that I can order LGBTQ+ books. This way I can further expand my mind and simultaneously piss off all the red hat wearing shitbirds. It’s a win-win.

nicholdaviswojcik.bsky.social•29 days ago

I work for a public library and at least in our system, the more a book gets checked out the less likely it is to get removed from the shelves. Check out all the LGBTQ+ books over & over again!!!!

foreverfall13.bsky.social•29 days ago

Thank you for the tip! I will definitely do this!!! 💗💗💗

coachkatjack.bsky.social•29 days ago

Do you know if that includes those checked out via the Libby app?

katierocheiniowa.bsky.social•29 days ago

You probably want to check with your library on their collection policy and the contract they use related to ordering digital materials.

nicholdaviswojcik.bsky.social•29 days ago

No, I don’t. I work in HR, not collection development so I don’t know much about Libby.

bmaggiesherrill.bsky.social•29 days ago

Would you let me know if you find out?

coachkatjack.bsky.social•29 days ago

For sure I will post.

bmaggiesherrill.bsky.social•29 days ago

If you have a list of books that are in danger of being removed, or that you think need more attention, I would love to have that list.
And I have friends who would like to have that list to help promote them as well.

bmaggiesherrill.bsky.social•29 days ago

I have two separate lists of books that frequently appear on banned books lists.
I have cards to two different libraries in my area.
Two weeks ago I started requesting three books from each list every week.
I pick them up I take them home.
Then I request the next three.
And repeat

eau542.bsky.social•28 days ago

I use the library all the time but would never have thought of that simple thing. Thanks!

artofbehavior.bsky.social•29 days ago

And use the opposite bathroom.

dementorqueen101.bsky.social•29 days ago

I love this so much!

fairverona.bsky.social•29 days ago

I was just there today! I got a ton of resources and a few allies. Local networks are KEY to your and your neighbors' survival. Your neighbor doesn't have to be right next door. My town is my neighbor.

davidotley.bsky.social•26 days ago

https://yorkshirebylines.co.uk/society/culture/the-joy-of-libraries/

cookbookmama.bsky.social•29 days ago

I forgot to mention as many said-libraries offer free programs for the community, sometimes classes, computers/internet to use, etc. I live in a primarily Latino. Many don’t have computers nor internet. Just being able to use the computers for resumes, educational purposes, etc. it’s a huge benefit.

cookbookmama.bsky.social•29 days ago

We are a library family. We were just there last week. 💙

tsalite.bsky.social•29 days ago

I didn't know what to do, so I gave some $ to the ACLU and found a local mutual aid group to volunteer with. I certainly don't visit the library enough, so I'll be changing that too.

porcelainteacup04.bsky.social•29 days ago

Made me smile today

prisonculture.bsky.social•29 days ago

I'm glad to hear that you plan to visit your local library!

tsalite.bsky.social•29 days ago

It's needed! I have a card for both my local county and city library, but I don't use then nearly enough. I do, however, use the Libby app quite a bit.

lespresso.bsky.social•29 days ago

Does anyone know if using the Libby app with your local library actually helps them the same as visiting in person would?

dianebaileyfoote.bsky.social•29 days ago

Yes, those stats are counted, too, and may have the added benefit of helping libraries secure favorable terms from publishers in ebook access contracts.

tsalite.bsky.social•29 days ago

I'm not sure.

tay-unrushed.bsky.social•29 days ago

You could literally go check out a book once or twice a week and not read them idc just do it.. you can check out movies, Just go!

aowenredwood.bsky.social•29 days ago

I went to the library yesterday because of your posts. It was glorious. Teeming with life-- people reading and learning. My new favorite place and I will be hanging out regularly. Thank you.

samquilla.bsky.social•29 days ago

Feel this way pretty much every time I go, especially when I visit the bigger ones (my closest is small). My young teen kids love the library. Older one is a voracious reader. Younger one likes to use the study rooms to do homework with friends and feel more independent than being home

jbsibley.bsky.social•29 days ago

Some of the people at my local are big fans of current events.

poohbelly.bsky.social•28 days ago

I Do Not want to live in Trumpistan!!

anet360.bsky.social•29 days ago

Stop spending money on MAGA supporters! National work stoppage.

slavikista.bsky.social•29 days ago

I love the libraries

allysonwilliams.bsky.social•29 days ago

My dad used to say, “You can lead a whore to culture, but you can’t make him learn,”

juneseawitch.bsky.social•29 days ago

I genuinely do not know what to do to fight, so I’m asking. Not to have it done for me, but to have guidance

prisonculture.bsky.social•29 days ago

It's good to ask. When people respond with concrete steps though, it's not helpful to pretend that they didn't.

fireandpixiedust.bsky.social•29 days ago

Yes! I plan on donating books to schools and libraries and checking out books I want to see more of.

liberallibbie.bsky.social•29 days ago

Vote in all elections small or not! Get them OUT!

jovanevery.bsky.social•29 days ago

Every teacher nods sympathetically.

prisonculture.bsky.social•29 days ago

As a fellow educator, #solidarity, lol.

jovanevery.bsky.social•29 days ago

The thing is, some people do read and understand your instructions and follow them. We can’t lose sight of that.

mngael.bsky.social•29 days ago

I think many of such people haven't gone to a library since they were kids. If that. And don't go anywhere other than their jobs or to shop. Not to shame anyone with agoraphobia, I mean people that can go out but have retreated to their screens.

mngael.bsky.social•29 days ago

So I answer calls at my job (I'm essentially a digital switch board operator) & many people who want to apply for jobs here don't have internet access so I've directed them to libraries, told them library staff will help them w/ computers.

mngael.bsky.social•29 days ago

Going to libraries seems to not be a thing many people have grown up with. Have also told them where they might find people who speak Spanish (in Spanish) & that there are classes on resume/cover letter/job searches.

crystalsoul42.bsky.social•29 days ago

I will admit I hadn’t thought of that, but once pointed out to me I ran with it. I may be limited in ability, but I’m *not* powerless!

rivergirl4evah.bsky.social•29 days ago

I can't spend as much time at the library as I used to due to long COVID. I now have a frontal lobe impairment which makes reading difficult, so I use Libby and Kanopy for audiobooks. Can I physically go once a week, check out a few books and return them on the same day?

helleborehound.bsky.social•29 days ago

Absolutely! If you ask there may even be more resources you can use in-person. My library has a ton of music and movies

rivergirl4evah.bsky.social•29 days ago

Thank you! I used the apps for music and movies. For health reasons I really can't hang out very long, but checking books out and putting them in the book return on my way to the car will work perfectly.

deltakruger.bsky.social•28 days ago

Ironically you can probably check out audio books directly from the library themselves. When i was a kid you could request an old cassette player and they'd have tapes of audio books you could listen to. Some made you leave the device at the library, others let you borrow it like the tapes.

rivergirl4evah.bsky.social•28 days ago

I checked them out through the Libby app using my library card. I just thought if I drive by there and stop in grab a few banned books and put them in the book return on the way out. I can't read physical books anymore due to brain injury, but I don't want to lose our libraries. A small action.

deltakruger.bsky.social•28 days ago

I mean that's fair enough I just didn't know if they did anything physical still in the audiobook style, so I was just trying to suggest something that would bring presence physically but also would enrich you

rivergirl4evah.bsky.social•28 days ago

Thank you! I don't know if they offer hard copy media like that anymore. I do receive a great deal of enrichment through their online apps. I just started another one of The Great Courses. I miss spending time there, is just not possible for me to do that any longer.
So this will have to suffice.

safetypup.bsky.social•29 days ago

I am confused about the library thing.

aliz1.bsky.social•29 days ago

Me, as well.

porcelainteacup04.bsky.social•29 days ago

I think it's about getting educated, turning off social media, making real human connections with your fellow readers.

It's probably about making an urban(??) community.

ladystormwalker.bsky.social•29 days ago

Libraries are the last place in America you can visit, read and borrow materials and have meetings for free.

Support them by using them. Check out items, return them on time, check out more.

Our library system has a huge collection of movies and series on DVD. We love watching.

sunshinedaisies7.bsky.social•29 days ago

Thank you for this reminder! I will contact my library. I have a feeling i won’t be needed as we live in a small university town that loves reading and education. Sadly, we are part of the most MAGA state in the country.

sigfreidskaldrup.bsky.social•29 days ago

All resistance is local.
#Resist
#Persist
#Insist
#Fight

smartmove.bsky.social•29 days ago

Resist, obstruct, and prepare for war.

unclesamisdead.bsky.social•29 days ago

Ok. So I am admittedly pretty ignorant on this topic. Other than knowing about the banned books, please educate me on why going is important and how it helps the blue cause.

proveit77.bsky.social•29 days ago

I am doing my small
part to stay informed and to resist. I just joined Meidas Plus as an annual subscriber. It’s only $100.00 and reading it not only gives me hope; it is saving my sanity.

raccoon-overlord.bsky.social•29 days ago

Might I suggest donating to and reading https://Truthout.org? They have always been progressive & they have been around for a LONG time. They are a bit further left than centrists like Biden. Don't know if that is an issue, but check them out. They are also a nonprofit and they really need help.

trojtro.bsky.social•29 days ago

Call and email your reps and senators….a lot! Demand they do their jobs for all members of our communities. Thank them when they do. Same at the local level. Old Orange is trying to convince everyone he has a mandate. WE have to make it clear he does NOT!

aarenp.bsky.social•29 days ago

Fascinated that Salem OR is talking about closing their libraries - to fund police of course. It’s always felt like such an unequal battle when libraries and police share the same funding stream-but at the local budget level show up and prioritize libraries - every year

raccoon-overlord.bsky.social•29 days ago

My town cut library funding. They used $700k for a private security force for downtown so that tourists don't see homeless people. I live in a town that fancies themselves *progressive*. They also keep giving the police more money.

aarenp.bsky.social•29 days ago

It is so infuriating-20 years of library funding cuts - closed two branches (and you already know the demographics of those two neighborhoods) - finally stopped it by raising property taxes specifically for libraries - separating the funding-murder rate is dropping anywat

raccoon-overlord.bsky.social•29 days ago

My town is getting super gentrified. They just are horrific at managing money and getting their priorities straight. Our bus system is almost disappeared too.

aarenp.bsky.social•29 days ago

😭

squarestate.bsky.social•29 days ago

What Will You Do?

https://prospect.org/politics/2024-10-30-what-will-you-do-trump-wins/

deltakruger.bsky.social•28 days ago

Kinda seems like form of 'Learned Helplessness'. Them saying 'i dont know what to do' is less a request for an answer and more a mindless parroting of what they constantly hear while outer forced drill into their head their options are limited.

deltakruger.bsky.social•28 days ago

After a while, your voice may continue to echo the intent, but the soul lost the energy to follow through with your voice, or even take heed of advise given to it

jiyoung213.bsky.social•29 days ago

“i don’t want to do…”

morcat13.bsky.social•28 days ago

I haven't been in a library since I was maybe 11 or 12? Almost 30 years at any rate... but yesterday I went and got a library card. I wanted to show I support access to information!

prisonculture.bsky.social•28 days ago

I think everyone should get a library card. It's a good thing. It's not enough to address book bans, censorship, the defunding of public libraries and so on...

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